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Category Archives: Communication
Beyond Survival: Evolving to thrive in Modern Society
From our fight-or-flight reactions and our quick emotional responses like rage and fear, aversion and greed, to the ability to endure physical hardship, evolution has offered humans tools for survival in harsh environments where our ancestors faced constant threats and scarcity of resources. However, in modern society, the immediate challenges of survival have largely beenContinue reading “Beyond Survival: Evolving to thrive in Modern Society”
Le Nouveau Média: l’Agent Conversationnel
(English version below) À l’aube d’une révolution informationnelle, l’agent conversationnel se dessine comme le prochain pilier des médias. Dans cette ère où la connaissance est omniprésente, je pressens que l’agent conversationel pourrait déplacer le le livre traditionnel, marquant une transition vers des méthodes d’apprentissage plus dynamiques et interactives. Ces entités numériques, animées par l’intelligence artificielle,Continue reading “Le Nouveau Média: l’Agent Conversationnel”
My personal quest for peace…
(French translation below) The state of the world is a source of worry for many of us. In a world rife with conflict and environmental crises, pursuing peace is not just a personal quest—it’s a universal need. The litany of global challenges—from climate change and biodiversity loss to social unrest—can be overwhelming. We, human beings,Continue reading “My personal quest for peace…”
From Dismissive to Empathic: A Journey of Genuine Connection
This video, “Active Constructive Responding” is simply awesome. It takes 10 minutes to watch, and it’s a game-changer. If you plan on continuing reading this, please offer yourself the gift of watching this beautiful illustration of different ways to respond to shared joy. Three ways inadvertently distance us while one fosters genuine connections. 1- DistractedContinue reading “From Dismissive to Empathic: A Journey of Genuine Connection”
Whining Behind Tribal Fences: Our Self-Imposed Exclusions
Recently, I caught myself in an unsettling behavior while conversing with a close friend. We were discussing a variety of topics when subject “X” emerged. The topic itself is inconsequential; what matters is the pattern of our dialogue. I suspect I’m not the only one who engages in this, and that realization is both comfortingContinue reading “Whining Behind Tribal Fences: Our Self-Imposed Exclusions”
The Two Faces of Social Media: Fostering and Foiling Empathy
Social media can impede the cultivation of empathy in certain situations, especially if we allow ourselves to feel contempt. In face-to-face interactions, immediate feedback is available if we insult someone. The distress on their faces tends to trigger a sense of regret, a deterrent for such behavior in the future. Conversely, if we make derogatoryContinue reading “The Two Faces of Social Media: Fostering and Foiling Empathy”
On recognition and empathy…
There is so much literature on empathy and compassion that I don’t have enough hours in my life to read it all. I have no new idea to contribute to this body of knowledge. The main challenge in the modern world is not the lack of knowledge or information; it is the lack of understanding.Continue reading “On recognition and empathy…”
Plato’s demagogues…
More than 2000 years ago, Plato explained simply : “one person, one vote, a lot of legalities and you get demagogues, and the demagogues lather off the population, and pretty soon, you don’t have your democracy anymore” A demagogue is defined as a political leader who seeks support by appealing to the desires and prejudicesContinue reading “Plato’s demagogues…”
Where writing talks to our minds, music talks to our hearts…
When music and writing are mixed together in a harmonious balance, a story is created that almost magically inspires the listener. These pieces resonate with what that infinitely beautiful part inside us. “Ficelles” is a song by Ingrid St-Pierre that tells a story close to the heart of many; people say that it is aboutContinue reading “Where writing talks to our minds, music talks to our hearts…”
The best in others… 2.0
As we arrive at the airport’s drop site for oversize luggage, I see a build-up of probably 30 fifty-pound ski bags waiting to be processed with 2 tired ladies whom I suspect would like nothing more than an afternoon off. Immediately I think that my skis might not make it to the plane; so IContinue reading “The best in others… 2.0”
On emotional intelligence in the field…
There is a lot of knowledge out there on the subject of emotional intelligence but it is difficult to apply it in the real world and explain it to people in ways that resonate with their experience so that words become meaningful. Let me try by using a real world example. I am sharing aContinue reading “On emotional intelligence in the field…”
Our polarizing views…
As we are coming out of a pandemic that has tested our resilience, I must admit that, when I look at the state of our world, I am worried. Our planet is struggling with global warming and the destruction of life’s habitat. Our economies are struggling with inflation. Our political world is divided. Our societiesContinue reading “Our polarizing views…”
On being an inspirational teacher
Having the privilege to teach clinical communication to doctors, I spend a lot of time thinking and reflecting on what makes a good teacher. In meetings with my group, we spend a lot of time polishing our powerpoints and presentation skills. I get how important it is. Good content delivered by a good presenter willContinue reading “On being an inspirational teacher”
Our moral compass…
“May our philosophy keep pace with our technology.May our compassion keep pace with our powers.May love, not fear be the engine of change.” – Edmond Langdon I like this quote, taken from an unlikely source. This morning, I was sent an article by a friend. It describes the potential fall of the American culture. AContinue reading “Our moral compass…”
About job crafting and emotional intelligence
Govan Brown is an example of emotional intelligence and job crafting we should admire and strive to emulate. He was a bus driver. He loved his job, and the people he drove loved him so much for simple reasons. He was kind, considerate and he cared about people. Any job can be crafted to beContinue reading “About job crafting and emotional intelligence”
The power of empathy… in every day life.
I cancelled a trip to Croatia in May 2020 and the “european airline” gave us a travel credit of 2200$ for 2 plane tickets with an expiration date of 31 jan 2021. In the last year, I had to call my “online travel agency” 4 times for various questions related to this credit. I evenContinue reading “The power of empathy… in every day life.”
Social isolation and the four horsemen of apocalypse…
Nowadays, a lot of people are struggling within their homes and in their relationships. We are social animals and we need people to be happy. When our social world is restricted, our stress levels increase. When our stress levels increase and our coping mechanism are limited, we adopt protective strategies which, in the end, canContinue reading “Social isolation and the four horsemen of apocalypse…”
To bring forth the best in others…
Every day, I am involved in managing conflicts, difficult discussions and unpredictable events. On a daily basis, I have had to learn how to manage the emotional aspect of conflicts before adopting a rational discourse and proposing solutions. Recently, I wrote “when we give emotions the space to be felt and shared, they usually don’t Continue reading “To bring forth the best in others…”
The principles of good communication…
I took a training course in clinical communication in Leeds, in September 2018, and I felt a profound impact on my work but also in my relationships, especially with my son. When you want to have a important, potentially emotional, discussion with a child, a patient, a parent, here are some basic principles: Sit atContinue reading “The principles of good communication…”
The cost and value of information…
The quality of information we are exposed to on a daily basis is an important topic for me.I recently wrote about the phenomenon of “fakes news” on social media. Misinformation is an insidious toxicity for society.For this reason and because I read and appreciate La Presse, I am voluntarily contributing to support this important institutionContinue reading “The cost and value of information…”
In a few words…
Words from other cultures that i love: Sisu Ikigai Hygge
About conversations…
Conversation is one of the most difficult thing in democracy but one of the most important. It build bridges and it dissolves prejudices.
On fear in the modern world….
The homo sapiens or modern human was born 200,000 years ago. He mostly lived as a hunter gatherer in the plains of Africa. In those years, a man was lucky if he lived 20 years. In those times, man was a prey. Life was very dangerous. You took a nap in the afternoon to wakeContinue reading “On fear in the modern world….”
On conflict resolution and how to build bridges…
Let me tell you a story. We bought a pure bred dog last year. A nice and presumably healthy Vizla from reputable breeder. It was our first dog. We fell in love with her. She is so sweet. Our main reasons to have a dog was to provide companionship and balance to our only child.Continue reading “On conflict resolution and how to build bridges…”
Martin Pham Dinh 